Colombo, Feb 4 (newsin.asia) – Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, on Sunday, celebrating the island’s 70th Independence Day anniversary said that the country would gain complete independence only after achieving complete economic and cultural freedom.
Speaking at the grand Independence Day anniversary parade in capital Colombo, Sirisena said that 2018 was a crucial year for Sri Lanka in achieving economic freedom and the government had to ensure it achieved its long term goals.
“We must remember that true freedom does not comprise only of political freedom. As a country, our future successes lie in our commitment to achieve long term goals with firm determination, as we have done in the past,” Sirisena said.
“Completion of the Moragahakanda reservoir as the last massive step in the Mahaweli development programme is a testimony to our perseverance and commitment to meet such long term goals,” he added.
Sirisena further paid tribute to the patriots who had sacrificed their lives in achieving freedom over the years.
Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesingha, in his Independence Day message said that since being elected to power, the government had consistently focused on creating the right social and political climate needed to build a society that is indeed free and stable.
Sri Lanka tri forces held a colorful grand parade along the Galle Road, close to the Colombo Harbour on Sunday to celebrate its 70th anniversary of independence from the British colonial rule in 1948.
The parade was held in the presence of Sri Lankan Leaders and the Chief Guest, His Royal Highness The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, and Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex and Mr Wang Qinmin, the Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference.
